Shopping & Style

The Trendiest Boutiques In Minnesota

A boutique is to shopping what Godiva is to chocolate – a decadent experience. Boutiques offer a unique shopping experience with one-of-a-kind pieces, knowledgeable staff and the intimacy of shopping in a well-curated space. Luckily for the ladies of the Twin Cities, there are a handful of truly wonderful boutiques at your fingertips. Check out this list to find the trendiest boutique nearest you and plan a visit.

Parc has quickly become a required stop while out in Northeast Minneapolis since its inception in 2008. The boutique specializes in blending affordable, on-trend pieces with high-end items that are worth the style investment. It continues to earn rave reviews for its staff, selection and great collection of locally made jewelry. Owner and driving style force Thao is regularly in the shop when she’s not out scouting new pieces, and the personal attention to detail shows. From the tongue-in-cheek fun of the 612 tees to J Brand jeans, there’s plenty to love here. Check out the lookbook online or stop in soon.

Named the best boutique in all of Minnesota in the June 2012 issue of Elle magazine, Arafina is no stranger to “best of” lists. Located in the Galleria, this Edina-based shop benefits from a great location and the style acumen of owner (and former Dayton’s and Marshall Fields buyer) Ann Rutledge Ackman. Featuring a mix of well-known names in designer wear and local up-and-comers, Arafina offers a well-curated shop in which to find the perfect dress, casual wear or some new and sleek outfits for work. Brands carried include Tory Burch, McQ by Sarah Burton, Helmut Lang and Nanette Lepore. Trust in Arafina and Ackman’s style advice to stay on trend in the seasons to come!

As part of the swanky shopping district in Edina known as “50th and France,” Grethen House sets the standard for high-fashion shopping in the Twin Cities. Featuring brands like Theory, Comme des Garcons, Hache and Yigal Azrouel, the boutique prides itself on its unique offerings and family-run feel. With three generations of experience, Grethen is the trendy spot to stop when you’re ready for some serious service. In addition to the buzz around the Twin Cities, Grethen has also been written up in Lucky andMpls St Paul magazines, and noticed by Scott Schuman (better known as The Sartorialist).

New to the Twin Cities in 2012, Statement brings some much-appreciated boutique charm to the North Loop district of Minneapolis. Run by local jewelry maker Stacey Johnson, the boutique highlights both Johnson’s jewelry and locally made clothing and accessories. Building on her initial success as a jewelry designer, Johnson has expanded her offerings from her original jewelry-only store in South Minneapolis to this unique and fun boutique. With affordable prices and one-of-a-kind pieces, Statement is the perfect place to grab up a pick-me-up present, a holiday gift or just something that’s fun and fashionable. Minnesota Monthly raved about it in August 2012, and it’s easy to see why this boutique is gaining plenty of fans.

Like a taco truck for your closet, The Fashion Mobile is on-the-move style. The first of its kind in Minnesota, this mobile boutique comes with some serious backing. Owners Teresa and David Grim used to own and operate Doozie Chic Boutique in Stillwater, but found the going tough in the post-recession climate. When the idea to go mobile came to the Grims, they were able to apply lessons learned and are now bringing trendy styles to private parties and big events all around the Twin Cities. Follow them on Twitter or like The Fashion Mobile on Facebook to see where they’ll be next!

Sassy professional by day, men’s style expert by night, Bethany Rein is a twenty-something living in Minneapolis. She loves baseball, coffee and the well-dressed male. An avid runner, Bethany also plays recreational sports with more enthusiasm than skill. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.